As the clock ticked past 2am on Friday morning, Johanna Larsson was booking a spot in the 2016 Hobart International semifinals.
The Swede eliminated defending champion Heather Watson 3-6 6-4 6-4 in an epic quarterfinal battle that stretched beyond two hours on a freezing night in the Tasmanian capital.
Watson, who saved match points to defeat fourth seeded Monica Niculescu earlier in the evening, started the match in convincing form but was eventually worn down by the consistent Larsson.
> Read about Watson’s second round win
“It was a tough match, not only to fight my opponent but I felt really tired in my head, you know mentally, so I had to keep fighting to stay motivated out there,” Larsson said. “It was really hard but in the end it was about one or two points and I was lucky.”
Inclement weather earlier in the day had thrown out the schedule, meaning it was almost midnight local time when Watson and Larsson took to the court.
A relieved Larsson admitted the conditions were tough.
“I’m feeling good in my body, but I’m quite tired,” Larsson said.
The world No.54 now meets seventh seed Alize Cornet in the semifinal in the day six evening session. She will also contest a doubles semifinal after her singles match.
“It’s going to be a tough one,” Larsson said. “Alize is a tough opponent, so let’s see if I can reload, get my energy back and fight for another win.”
Cornet advanced via a walkover, with ninth seed Mona Barthel of Germany withdrawing with a back injury.
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